I'm a recently single Momma to three pre-teen girls, and a lover of anything home decor and beauty related. The House of Smiths is my own little part of the internet that allows me to share and document all of the life that happens under our roof!

I guess we DID buy a new washer and dryer... and that's like totally a legit adult thing to do.

This morning I was laying in bed, before everyone woke up, thinking about the fact that 30 years of my life have passed. At first I went to the dark place. You know:

"My life's almost halfway over!""In thirty more years I'll probably have grandchildren!""People are going to start calling me Ma'am now!"

but then... I started thinking about all that I've accomplished UP to this point.Marriage

Kids

Blog

Weight Loss

...and then I cried.

Who am I kidding!? 20's are only good for one thing... being able to SAY you're in your 20's! LOL
I went through so much self discovery these past 10 years. Learning who I was, finding out what I wanted in life, who I wanted to share things with, and what my goals were going to be for the rest of my time here on earth.

Now I'm 30

It may sound silly, but I DO feel different.I feel wiserhealthierhappiercalmermore emotionalconfidentand determined.
I know what I want in life, and it was like all of a sudden, this past year I just stopped caring about what everyone thought and forged ahead with whatever I felt like was best for ME and my family. I'm not wrapped up in wondering if so and so likes me, if I got invited to this or that, or if everyone will think one thing or another about what I do. None of that matters to me so much anymore.

Perhaps those feelings come with growing up, or maybe it has to do with going through trials... overcoming them and then really gaining perspective about what matters the most.

(?)

Either way, I'll take it.

30 is going to be fabulous!

And even though that number (for some reason) sort of freaks me out right NOW, knowing that I've got a better grasp on life, family, relationships and my health, than I've ever had before... makes it all okay.

Today is my 30th Birthday, too! I have been trying to think about things in terms of everything I have and have accomplished (marriage, kids - just like you!)as well. Still feeling a little iffy about it, but so many people say that things just get better with age. I work with seniors so I know 30 is just a small number in the grand scheme. Have an amazing day!

Girl, trust me, when you get to be my age, you will think 30 is just a baby. With age comes wisdom for sure and as you are finding out..... freedom. Freedom from worrying about other's thoughts about you, etc, as you so elonquently put. Embrace each day, no matter the age because life is precious and oh so short! A very Happy Birthday to you!

Congrats on being 30! lol! It is amazing when we think about everything we have done in the past. And although I can still say that I am in my 20's I'm kinda looking forward to being 30. I already feel that adultness anyway! :)

I totally understand!! I love to read posts about others transissioning to the big 3-0...I felt VERY similar to you but probably a little less "ready"! Happy Birthday, "Ma'am"! *I just had to do it*:))xo, Nelly

happy 30th bday! when i turned 30 (3 yrs ago already, omg) i began saying i was practically 40. it's true. now i'm even closer. not that there's anything wrong with being 40, it's just me being that age sounds super cray!

Happy Birthday, Shelley! I mean this is the nicest way possible (because you definitely don't LOOK "old") but I always forget that you're only 1 month older than me. And that's because you've accomplished SO much already!

I hope that I can come out of that dark place when I hit the big 3-0 in January!

Happy Birthday to you! You had a great epiphany, and will rock 30, no doubt!! You have so much to be proud of. I will admit, I don't like to SAY, out-loud, that I am 30, but typing it isn't tooooo bad! :)

Happy Birthday to you! You had a great epiphany, and will rock 30, no doubt!! You have so much to be proud of. I will admit, I don't like to SAY, out-loud, that I am 30, but typing it isn't tooooo bad! :)

You are one of a kind, adorable, GORGEOUS, inspiring, creative, and have touched my life. Seriously, sometimes I'm like, "awww, i wanna hang with her!" I love your energy and excitement for all the little things :) I hope these next 10 years are just the best time of your life...I am so happy for you. Happy Happy Birthday! You really do look fantastic, healthy, strong, confident, and are being admired by many for being who you are.

Happy Birthday!!!! Tomorrow is my 30th birthday as well. I feel like if we lived closer we could be real friends. Lol. I think we have a lot in common. Not only is our 30th birthday 1 day apart, we both have sweet girls, passion for decor, and our husbands are REALLY tall (mine is 6'9"). ha ha! I was laughing at your hubbies table troubles yesterday, and I never thought of it before on why mine sits sideways too.

You are so cute, adorable, GORGEOUS, inspiring, creative, and full of life! I am totally always telling my husband about your posts and how awesome you have been with your health and your home improvements. I never write or comment, but I am so excited about all your stuff! Sometimes I'm like, "awww, i wanna hang with her! she is so fun!" I am so happy for you and want you to know you are totally encouraging and touching many people. Thank you for being so raw and real. It's totally contagious and makes me want to be more transparent in my life. I hope you have the happiest birthday, and that your next ten years are the best of your life! I have a feeling they will be ;)Love,Kassie

This is so true! It's like someone smacks you on your noggin and gives you this present of clarity! I absolutely love your blog! You are such an inspiration for me on my own blog. I even took your idea for the baseboards and did it in my own home. I did a little bit of a different style. When I post about it, I'll link back to you! :)

SHELLEY! Today is my birthday too!! How crazy is that?! We're basically twins! I got married, have 3 kids, am also more emotional (spent the entire morning bawling about the fact that this is the last year of my 20's), have a desire to look and feel fabulous, AND only live 2.5 hours east of Salt Lake (so that's basically like living in Salt Lake, right?). Love your style! If you ever need a new friend to celebrate birthdays with, I'd LOVE to meet ya! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your birthday!! :)

Happy Birthday! My 30th birthday is next week and I'm feeling the same way as you. Part of me wants to freak out, how did I get this old? But the other part of me is happy with who I've become and what I've accomplished. I hope you have a wonderful day spending it with those you love.

Age is just a number. Getting older is better because with each passing year, you become the person that you want to be, no longer troubled by what others think or what you think you should do. Sometimes you will have to act like and adult, and sometimes you will act like the fun-loving girl that lives inside you. With age comes the knowledge of how to behave appropriately.

Trust me it just gets better. I turned 55 this summer and I still feel like the girl I was in my 20's but with so much more confidence. I can still sing the top hits, dance around the house and dress like I'm 30 and I don't care what others think.

Have wonderful birthday with your family. Best wishes for another great year !

LOVE this. As someone not far behind (turning 29 in January) your words are so encouraging. It's been a major year of growth for me in terms of not caring so much what others think (easier said than done!) -- Happiest of birthdays to you - 30 and fabulous! :)

I'm knocking on 40 in a couple of months, I found I learned much more about myself and well everything in my 30's than the whirlwind of my 20's, your just coming into your own, you'll see. Happy birthday.

#1 Happy Birthday you cute thing!#2 Wow, look at your, way to go!!!! I thought about you at Thanksgiving, knowing you had been at it about a year of transforming your body. You look maaarvelus darling!# 3 My oldest son just celebrated his 32 birthday. I told him I don't know how that happened and how I have a 32 year old when I feel like I am on 32 in my head. I wish for you many, many more years of birthdays! 30's are the bomb!

I'm just around the corner from 34 and I can attest, the 30s are the very best! No maje wrinkles, lots of character and confidence. I'm at that perfect crossroad between trying my best and not giving a darn if I don't get there on the first go. So great! Enjoy it!

Happy Birthday Shelley! You have been such an inspiration to me over the past 2-3 years as I've followed your blog. You, your family, home and personality are so awesome and beautiful! You have touched more lives than you'll ever know! Including mine! I'm embarrassed to say I was so excited when you started following me on Instagram and then even commented on some of my photos! haha - I sound so dorky saying that but I was shocked and excited because even though I don't know you IRL, I totally look up to you!!! Thanks for being awesome and here's to another FAB 30! Hope you had the best day ever!

Happy, happy birthday! 30 was a bit shocking to me, but as I'm about to turn 37 (on Friday!) and inch closer to 40, I feel so content with my life that I wouldn't ever want to be in my 20's again. PS, I mailed our Christmas card to you yesterday! I'm wondering how many you've received from your followers so far.

I read your blog every day, but never ever comment. I just had to hop on, though, and tell you happy birthday! I just turned 33 this year and I'm telling you, the 30s are the BEST decade. Honestly, I've loved every minute of them. You are such a lovely person and I so enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing your talents!(Oh, and you went to hair scho with my awesome sister in law- she's who told me about your blog!)

Happy Birthday! I just recently started reading your blog, but can I just tell you, I love it! You are real and funny and either inspire me or make me smile, sometimes both. thank you for being amazing!

Yay! "All I want for my birthday is some big ****" haha, surely you've heard that song by 2 Chainz? Lol. Anyhow, Happy Birthday! I turn 35 on Dec 13th, and I hoped to be self employed by this age. Um, not quite! But I'm blogging, and lil 'ole AdSense had made me $81 richer so far. Ha! Just took 10 months.... But hey, baby steps is still progress! Anyhow, you're doing great with life. Imagine how accomplished you'll feel when you're 60?! :)

Happy Birthday! You should be very proud of yourself. As I approach 50 I still am trying to struggle with the things that you have figured out by 30! Congrats on all of your accomplishments - who knows what you can do by 40...

You look absolutely fabulous! Don't you know 30 is the new 20...lol It only gets better - at least that's what I keep trying to convince myself...but then again I am twice you age! Have a wonderful birthday!!!

30 is SO much better than I thought. I was def scurred! A sense of power and peace and in some cases, who really cares what people think, comes over you. It's a very empowering age. At least in my experience. Now 35, it's a little scary, 40 is sooo much closer than ever! Although that who really cares what people think just gettings stronger and stronger as the years go by. :) Happy Birthday!

Shelley, I didn't see this post until today, so Happy Birthday yesterday! Your niece is so stinkin' cute! I mean, seriously, I think she's a Shirley Temple in the making. :) I just wanted to say that you are an inspiration to me. You're beautiful, inside and out. You share yourself with others through this blog. I know that can't be easy all of the time,and must be demanding. But, we do appreciate it. You have inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and (try) to decorate my home. It's amazing how good it makes me feel to beautify my little space. Also, your tidbits about the weight-loss (and trials in general) are so inspiring. You have an amazing spirit. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Shelley, Happy (belated) birthday! (sorry, didn't see your post til today!)I just wanted to say that you are an inspiration to me. I'm so glad you sacrifice to bring us your blog. You share so much of yourself and encourage the rest of us to step beyond fears and accomplish our dreams. You rock! Thanks!

I am 16 days away from turning 30. I thought it wouldn't bother me, but as it approaches I'm feeling some trepidation. Although I must say this post has most certainly helped with a new point of view :-) Thank you!

Hope you had an amazing birthday!! I LOVED seeing your birthday events on Instagram yesterday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I can't WAIT to be 30 and everyone thinks I'm crazy, but what you said is what I believe to be SO true- 30 is an accomplished age and its exciting!! I really think 30's will be the best time of my life too (I've got 1.5 years to go!)Have a SUPER day Shelley!!{your niece....there are no words for that amount of cuteness!!!}xoColleen

Seeing that video, I was cracking up at her cute, silliness, then I read all that you said and ended with an AWWWWWWWW... how awesome to look back at your life and see all the growth and blessings along the way.. great way to reflect on you turning 30 :-) As a 36 yr old, I can say, it's not so bad.. but now I'm freaking out that I'm closer to 40! That's scary! lol.. Happy Birthday Shelley :-)

Happy birthday from one who lurks around your amazing blog! Love everything! For your birthday I would only wish one thing for you.....more of the same! Your beautiful children seem so happy! You and your hubby always smiling and working hard! Amazing! Enjoy!!

Belated birthday greetings. Hope you had a lovely day. Lovely photographs of a lovely family, and what a great way to reflect on your achievements so far. Just imagine what the next 30 have in store for you! :-D Jude.x

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!! I am so impressed with your weight loss the most! Maybe because I just turned 55 and I have battled weight all my life and still can't seem to lose. :( You look fabulous and I am happy more than anything else that you are doing this while you are still young!! Yes, 30 IS young and better in so many ways than the 20's. Please try (for your health) to keep the weight off and keep active. If you get in the good habits now you won't be struggling as I am in your 50's...

Adorable family!!

Have a Happy Day!

Placing that order for the Mixer graffics...I decided on the Golden Yellow..thanks so much for your help and opinions!!

Have been enjoying your blog for some time, but tonight I'm compelled to write. Honestly, when I first saw your pics, I felt a sense of -- what -- relief? I noted that, despite being overweight, you are beautiful! THEN I read that you'd committed to get into better health/shape... and I felt abit defeated...and more alone in my own obesity. Amazing how misery loves company, whether for good or bad! I'd been praying for motivation and finally realized God had sent it via my own daughter and finding your blog. My sweet girl, another talented writer AND a new runner, had threatened that if I died early of health complications, she'd 'never speak to me again!' Well, I've lost nearly 75 lbs and am feeling so much better! Still have more to lose, but I'm already so grateful. Then tonight I read that you're celebrating your 30th birthday --- as my daughter will be doing very soon! What a lovely coincidence -- no,what a blessing from God! Your reflections on this occasion are wonderful and I'm eager to share them with her in my birthday greeting on the 21st. You're touching lives out here with your words, your encouragement, and your spirit. Thank you and MERRY CHRISTMAS! BarbaraP.S. Another love note from God: my maiden name is SMITH!

Hope it was a happy birthday! Actually, turning 30 was the best thing ever for me. My 20s were a decade of difficulty figuring out who I was and what I really wanted. It's funny that people think someone has it all together and has everything anyone could ever want because on the outside they seem so confident, but on the inside ... well, sometimes it's just not so. Turning 30 helped me to leave all that behind and to do and be what I wanted -- and be at peace with it because I was finally being myself. Hope it brings the same happiness for you! :)

We share a birthday! I haven't met very many people with our birthday, so we must be extra special! I am one year older than you, so I guess you can say that I am the guinea pig when it comes to being 30! I, too, was worried about turning 30 and as it turned out I had good reason to be! But that is a very long story and in the end being 30 wasn't so bad at all. My family was blessed beyond measure despite the many setbacks we experienced. I really admire you and your go get 'em spirit! I am trying to incorporate this attitude more into my own life as I forge ahead into 31. Happy Birthday to us! I hope yours was a great one!

I just found your blog and saw this turning 30 post...I am turning 30 this year and feeling a lot like you described...ahhh...30! I love how you talked about not caring what other people think and doing what is best for you and your family. I need to do that! Maybe this is the year!

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